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Classroom management is essential to a teacher's success in the profession, say experts, and difficulties managing students is a leading reason why some teachers quit. While there are numerous approaches and no clear-cut model for classroom management, experts agree that a teacher must be clear, send consistent messages about expectations and steadfastly respond to transgressions. "It is probably one of the things that's least understandable and most complex about teaching," the head of the American Federation of Teachers said.

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Classroom management is essential to a teacher's success in the profession, say experts, and difficulties managing students is a leading reason why some teachers quit. While there are numerous approaches and no clear-cut model for classroom management, experts agree a teacher must be clear and consistent messages about expectations and steadfastly respond to transgressions. "It is probably one of the things that's least understandable and most complex about teaching," the head of the American Federation of Teachers said.

Educators in a California school district are helping students with special needs make a smoother transition from high school into the workforce. The district's new Transition Partnership Program provides small-group and individual instruction in resume writing and interview preparation to better prepare students for a post-graduation job search. "It was pretty clear there was a missing piece," the district's special-education director said.

Teachers at an Illinois school who practice co-teaching say that all students benefit from classrooms that integrate students with and without special needs. Teachers say they learn from each other by working together, and students with special needs gain motivation to learn skills at a faster pace in inclusion classrooms. "This is the way to go -- their self-esteem is higher, they are not isolated or singled out," one teacher said.

Congress is considering an increase in funding for the Teacher Incentive Fund, which awards federal grants to states and districts to develop performance-pay programs for teachers and principals. The fund distributes almost $100 million annually and could increase to $400 million under proposed legislation. "This will require a seismic shift in the way we talk about and treat teachers, and it starts with this important investment in programs that reward teacher excellence," one lawmaker said.

Parents in a California school district are concerned about recent changes in the way special-education classroom aides are hired. In October, control over special education shifted from the county education department to the school district, which offers lower pay and stricter regulations on benefits for classroom aides. Parents of students in special education say they fear many experienced aides will not stay on because of the reduction in compensation.